[QatzelOk]

This is the ballot that Cuban voters will be voting with tomorrow in order to decide, democratically, whether to adopt or reject the new constitution.

The use of "usted" indicates respect, and on the ballot the state is using respect to address the citizen.
The use of the respectful "usted" is most common in Latin America.

In English, "you" is used globally to show both respect and complete lack of respect;
"I beg you, your highness" or "You have the right to remain silent."

In USA media, Cuba is often referred to as a dictatorship with no freedom. And while Cubans certainly don't have the right to trade freely with other countries (because of the USA's blocade), they do have the freedom to define the relationship between citizen and the state.

Contrast this to the USA, where a handful of slave-owners met behind closed doors and then dictated their constitution to constituents after a terror-filled war. And that constitution was dictated more than 200 years ago. Cuba's current constitution is less than 60 years old, and it's already being democratically re-written. And democratically voted on.

DEMOCRACY is not a flavor of soft drink.
La democracia no es un sabor de refresco.

[Hindsite]

In USA media, Cuba is often referred to as a dictatorship with no freedom. And while Cubans certainly don't have the right to trade freely with other countries (because of the USA's blocade), they do have the freedom to define the relationship between citizen and the state.

Contrast this to the USA, where a handful of slave-owners met behind closed doors and then dictated their constitution to constituents after a terror-filled war. And that constitution was dictated more than 200 years ago. Cuba's current constitution is less than 60 years old, and it's already being democratically re-written. And democratically voted on.

DEMOCRACY is not a flavor of soft drink.

This is because the people have come to understand that socialism does not work.

[XogGyux]

This is the ballot that Cuban voters will be voting with tomorrow in order to decide, democratically, whether to adopt or reject the new constitution.

The use of "usted" indicates respect, and on the ballot the state is using respect to address the citizen.
The use of the respectful "usted" is most common in Latin America.

In English, "you" is used globally to show both respect and complete lack of respect;
"I beg you, your highness" or "You have the right to remain silent."

In USA media, Cuba is often referred to as a dictatorship with no freedom. And while Cubans certainly don't have the right to trade freely with other countries (because of the USA's blocade), they do have the freedom to define the relationship between citizen and the state.

Contrast this to the USA, where a handful of slave-owners met behind closed doors and then dictated their constitution to constituents after a terror-filled war. And that constitution was dictated more than 200 years ago. Cuba's current constitution is less than 60 years old, and it's already being democratically re-written. And democratically voted on.

DEMOCRACY is not a flavor of soft drink.
La democracia no es un sabor de refresco.

LOL having a sham "election" is not evidence of democracy. See China, Rusia and half of African and Latin American countries. You can put as many jewels on that pig as you want, it is still a pig.

Also, regarding the "respect" thing you said, thats not totally accurate. "Usted" is a more formal way compared to "Tu", the same way that in English "How do you do" is more formal than "How are you". It means the same but one is formal, the other is more casual. It is true, that colloquially people tend to use Usted in a manner of respect, especially to people that are older than you (e.g. kid calls teacher "usted" instead of "tu") but the "respect" that you are implying is simply not there. For one, governments as a general rule use the most formal words. A government that truly respects its people don't treat them like rags.

This is because people have come to understand that socialism does not work.

And this is how your ignorance becomes obvious. Cuba is a shithole because it is not a democracy but a dictatorship. It has nothing to do with socialism vs capitalism vs something else. You can have both Left and Right wing dictatorships and both of them are equally pervasive.

[Atlantis]

Cuba is a shithole because it is not a democracy but a dictatorship. It has nothing to do with socialism vs capitalism vs something else.

Then you still have to demonstrate that socialism and democracy are compatible. Social Democracy yes, but Socialism? I doubt it. The hard-left is hard-left because it isn't into compromise, and democracy is an unending series of compromises.

[XogGyux]

Then you still have to demonstrate that socialism and democracy are compatible. Social Democracy yes, but Socialism? I doubt it. The hard-left is hard-left because it isn't into compromise, and democracy is an unending series of compromises.

There is nothing inherently incompatible between democracy and socialism. The very fact that you can have social democracies such as many European countries and to a lesser degree the US (yes, we have a degree of socialism in the US as well) is proof of it. Democracy simply refers to a system in which the people elect the leaders. Socialism concerns itself with economic and social issues. Basically, one thing deals with the type of government, the other one deals with the type of economy/social structure.
Over the decade politicians have poisoned the well by name calling and ostracizing "socialists", "communists" in part because we had the cold war. Now, people have no fucking clue of what the terms mean because they have been used in so many ways.

[QatzelOk]

LOL having a sham "election" is not evidence of democracy. See China, Rusia and half of African and Latin American countries.

Here, I see evidence that you and I don't define "democracy" the same way.

For me, "democracy" means citizen participation in governance. Having a long, well-organized public consultation/education process like Cuba has done, is an example of "democratic process."

For you, it means a rich country where plebs get their worldview from commercial media and their own inner greed. For you, countries that "aren't democratic" can always be sancioned and bombed in order for "real democracies" to destroy their societies and steal their resources. And because your kind of "democratic" countries burn through resources like there's no tomorrow, they seem to need a lot of "not democratic" countries in order to source truly world-ending levels of fuel for their inner greed that is so developed.

Back to OP relevance: Capitalism's technologies have blurred our understanding of freedom and democracy, so your general inability to understand it, or its importance, is very common.

[XogGyux]

Here, I see evidence that you and I don't define "democracy" the same way.

For me, "democracy" means citizen participation in governance. Having a long, well-organized public consultation/education process like Cuba has done, is an example of "democratic process."

For you, it means a rich country where plebs get their worldview from commercial media and their own inner greed. For you, countries that "aren't democratic" can always be sancioned and bombed in order for "real democracies" to destroy their societies and steal their resources. And because your kind of "democratic" countries burn through resources like there's no tomorrow, they seem to need a lot of "not democratic" countries in order to source truly world-ending levels of fuel for their inner greed that is so developed.

Back to OP relevance: Capitalism's technologies have blurred our understanding of freedom and democracy, so your general inability to understand it, or its importance, is very common.

Stop trying to "state" what it is that I think or what my position is. The "richness" of a country is not the thing that makes a democracy a democracy, you are just going in a delusional rambling. It does play a role however, as people in good socio-economic situation tend to be happier and when people are happier they are also more productive and supportive to their society.
The saddest part of all is that you are a spoiled brat, you have a life in a 1st world democracy, you might not use all the resources at your disposal but despite all the crap that you are saying your life is infinitely better. I told you already, just the fact that you don't live in Cuba, and instead live in a democratic country is a massive advantage that you take for granted. You have a freedom (politically and economically) that the average cuban do not. You can work your butt off, and you can choose what you do with the proceeds of your work. You can work as little as you want and live in a tent in the middle of the forrest and be one with nature or whatever hippie shit you want to do, or you can work really fucking hard and have a more luxurious life. You, for instance, have traveled.... as a tourist.... that's something that Cubans cannot do. Next time you go there, ask your hosts "when was the last time you went to France to visit the Louvre or to Canada to visit the Niagara falls, when was the last fucking time you left the country to just "bike around in peace".
The answer is never.
You can keep beating the bucket with your senseless rhetoric but facts paint the picture. Like I have said before... trade places with a Cuban for just 1 year and if you still have the same opinion you can make a point.

[QatzelOk]

The saddest part of all is that you are a spoiled brat...

For me, the saddest part of all is that millions of rural Brazilians don't have a doctor anymore.

[XogGyux]

For me, the saddest part of all is that millions of rural Brazilians don't have a doctor anymore.

I agree with that. But I don't know how you get from that to "cuban system is great" or something along those lines. I am no expert in Brazil's geopolitical situation but I suspect the answer lies within its own political-socio-economical system. The US certainly has blame on this party, rather than helping build a stronger America (and I mean the whole continent) we seem to have more interest fighting wars overseas and building China's economy. But from there, as to make an assumption about the greatness of Cuba is an unjustified leap of faith.

[QatzelOk]

Healthiest Countries on Earth

Bloomberg Global Health just finished its annual reporton the "Healthiest Countries on Earth" meaning the countries with the healthiest populations.

Spain finished first.

1. Spain

In the Americas:

16. Canada
30. Cuba
33. Chili (tie)
33. Costa Rica (tie)
35. United States
53. Mexico

In the Caribbean, Cuba placed highest at 30, making it the only developing nation to be ranked that high.

In North America, Canada holds the highest ranking, placing 16th overall - that's well above the US and Mexico, which rank 35th and 53rd.

[jimjam]

When Fidel Castro took over in 1959 and rid his country of the stooge of capitalism, Batista, and capitalism's hand maidens, the Mafia, it was just automatic and S.O.P. that his assassination was placed on the to do list of corporate America's hit man Allan Dulles. A long history of failed attempts ensued. I find it amazing that Fidel lived to age 90 and, essentially, died of old age. Dulles had greater success with his "executive action" against J.F.K. Upon hearing of J.F.K.'s murder Castro's first comment was, "This is bad news. Everything is changed."

[Stormsmith]

Hubby's there now.

[The trigger]

Ok cuba is poor and thats not what I call sucessfull.
Not many cars think about that.
Low crime rate well that could be due to the fact few have much to steal.
And if I was looking for a tourist to rob would I choose some9ne who looked like a local on a bicycle or someone in a taxi or limo .
Im sure cuban prisons are a joy. Did you check them out. Hows the freedom of speech there. Gun ownership health care .
Higher education.
The pay scale.
Maybe you should move there for a few years and report back

[Stormsmith]

Hubby's going back in July. They are working on a school for the blind.

Im sure cuban prisons are a joy.

Last time hubby was there he was just down the road from Gitmo. As to the rate of pay, it ia low but consistent with living rates. Their homes are rent free, food is subsidised etc.

@QatzelOk Spain is the biggest investor in Cuba, largely in health care. Canada is 2nd or 3rd. Most countries are starting to see opportunities to invest in Cuba now

[QatzelOk]

Hubby's going back in July. They are working on a school for the blind.



Last time hubby was there he was just down the road from Gitmo. As to the rate of pay, it ia low but consistent with living rates. Their homes are rent free, food is subsidised etc.

@QatzelOk Spain is the biggest investor in Cuba, largely in health care. Canada is 2nd or 3rd. Most countries are starting to see opportunities to invest in Cuba now

I've been to Cuba three times in the last two years, and I don't know how to feel about foreign investment there.

On the one hand, it's a way to get foreign currency past the blocade, and to help develop relations between Cuba and other nations.

But on the other hand, foreign investment leads to foreign "interest" in controlling your country. So ideally, the Cuban government is making deals that lead, eventually, to Cuban ownership of all of these projects. Many Canadians "buy" houses in Cuba, only to find out that they can never really own them. I hope land and hotels are the same.

Not many cars think about that.

Oh my god! Biking was so safe! And there were lots of other people biking!
...
We've been "thinking about that" for 46 pages. You might want to read some of the other pages (starting at page one) to see what has already been "thought about."

[The trigger]

I find it intresting your concerned about capitolist investment in cuba but had no issue about russia pouring money into it

[Hindsite]

Oh my god! Biking was so safe! And there were lots of other people biking!

That is because that is all most of them can afford.

[The trigger]

Lol thats the issue And i agree

[QatzelOk]

Lol thats the issue And i agree

I think I understand you and hindsite better now.

It would be better if more people drove cars because then it would be really dangerous to bike (or walk) like it is in most USA cities. USA cities are excellent: just cars flying down empty commercial streets with no community.

This is what you guys want, and if it leads to our extinction, that will suit you guys find. All you desire is the products that are sold to you, and if I watched more commercial brainwashing, I'd probably agree with you.

[Hindsite]

I think I understand you and hindsite better now.

It would be better if more people drove cars because then it would be really dangerous to bike (or walk) like it is in most USA cities. USA cities are excellent: just cars flying down empty commercial streets with no community.

This is what you guys want, and if it leads to our extinction, that will suit you guys find. All you desire is the products that are sold to you, and if I watched more commercial brainwashing, I'd probably agree with you.

You would be wise to check out the "Made in Israel" thread to see how capitalism and technology has worked for them.
HalleluYah